Riverdene Garden Centre
Gay Paree Peony
Gay Paree Peony
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‘Gay Paree’ (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Gay Paree’) is a Japanese-style herbaceous peony prized for its vivid magenta-pink outer guard petals and a striking creamy white, frilly center of staminodes. This two-toned beauty adds an exotic yet classic look to the garden and makes a fabulous cut flower. It's also long-lived, highly cold-hardy, and relatively low-maintenance — perfect for prairie gardeners.
Key Characteristics
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Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora ‘Gay Paree’
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Common Name: Gay Paree Peony
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Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
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Peony Type: Japanese form
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Hardiness Zones: 3–8
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Height: 32–36 inches (80–90 cm)
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Spread: 24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
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Bloom Time: Mid-season (usually early to mid-June in Zone 3)
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Flower Color: Bright pink guard petals with a creamy white or pale yellow tufted center
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Fragrance: Lightly scented — pleasant but not overpowering
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Foliage: Glossy deep green; attractive through the growing season with good fall color
Sun Requirements
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Grows best in full sun (6–8 hours/day)
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Tolerates light shade, though flowering may be reduced
Soil Needs
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Prefers rich, loamy, well-drained soil
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Add compost or aged manure before planting
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Avoid soggy or compacted soil
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Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)
Watering Needs
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Moderate moisture during growing and blooming seasons
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Do not overwater — peonies don’t like “wet feet”
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Water at the base to avoid fungal diseases
Planting & Spacing
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Plant in fall (September is ideal for Zone 3) or in early spring from pots
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Plant roots with buds (eyes) no more than 1–2 inches below the soil surface
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Too deep = no blooms!
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Spacing: 3 feet apart for airflow and mature size
Maintenance
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Deadhead after flowering to keep plants tidy
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Leave foliage intact until it dies back naturally in the fall
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Cut back stems to the ground after frost
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Apply mulch in late fall in Zone 3 to protect from freeze-thaw cycles
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Divide only when necessary (every 10–15 years)
Fertilizing
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Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring
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Side-dress with compost as buds emerge
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Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over blooms
Pests & Diseases
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Generally trouble-free
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Watch for:
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Botrytis blight (gray mold): avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation
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Aphids on early shoots
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Remove and discard fall foliage to prevent disease carryover
Wildlife & Companion Benefits
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Pollinator-friendly – bees and beneficial insects love it
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Ants are often seen on buds — harmless
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Deer and rabbit resistant
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Companion plants:
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Catmint (Nepeta)
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Allium
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Iris
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Salvia
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Ornamental grasses
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Garden Uses
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Perennial borders
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Cottage gardens
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Cut flower beds
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Standalone focal plant
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Memorial or legacy gardens (peonies live for generations)
Special Notes
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‘Gay Paree’ has been a favorite for decades due to its unique bicolor blooms and excellent stem strength
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Makes a wonderful cut flower — long-lasting and eye-catching in bouquets
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Can live 50+ years with little care once established
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